Rhabdopterus
Lefèvre, 1877
Species Guides
5Rhabdopterus is a of leaf beetles in the Eumolpinae, containing approximately 70 described distributed across North and South America. Eight species occur north of Mexico, though Nearctic species may not be congeneric with the South American type species. The genus belongs to the Chrysomelidae, a large group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles. Some species, such as Rhabdopterus jansoni, are significant herbivores in agricultural systems, particularly coffee plantations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhabdopterus: //ræbˈdɒptərəs//
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Habitat
Coffee agroecosystems for at least some ; includes plantations of Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, as well as shade trees within agroforestry systems. The broader occupies various across the Americas given its wide geographic distribution.
Distribution
North and South America. Approximately 70 described total, with eight species occurring north of Mexico. Species abundance varies by plant: Rhabdopterus jansoni is more abundant in Coffea arabica plantations than in Coffea canephora plantations.
Diet
Herbivorous. Rhabdopterus jansoni feeds on Coffea spp., with documented preference for Coffea arabica over Coffea canephora; no differential feeding among varieties of C. arabica or between young and old leaves. Diet breadth for other in the is not documented.
Host Associations
- Coffea arabica - plantPreferred of Rhabdopterus jansoni; higher abundance in plantations of this
- Coffea canephora - plantConsumed by Rhabdopterus jansoni but less preferred than C. arabica
- shade trees - occurs onRhabdopterus jansoni found on 15 of 18 shade tree surveyed in coffee agroecosystems; specific tree species not identified in available sources
Behavior
Laboratory feeding preferences of Rhabdopterus jansoni correspond to relative field densities, suggesting that field surveys may indicate true preference for some agroecosystem herbivores. No discrimination among C. arabica varieties or between young and old leaves has been observed.
Ecological Role
Herbivore in coffee agroecosystems; potential role in agroforestry dynamics involving shade trees. Specific functions for most are undocumented.
Human Relevance
Some are herbivores of coffee plants, with potential significance for coffee agriculture. Rhabdopterus jansoni has been studied as a regionally specific pest or herbivore of Coffea spp. in coffee-growing regions.
Similar Taxa
- RhabdocolaspisFormerly included now moved to this (R. jansoni, R. mexicanus); distinguished by taxonomic revision
- ChalcoplacisFormerly included now moved to this (R. fulvicollis, R. virescens); distinguished by taxonomic revision
- AnachalcoplacisSynonymy involves R. bryanti now placed in A. fulva fulva; distinguished by taxonomic revision
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty
The Nearctic (eight species north of Mexico) may not be congeneric with the type species, which is South American. This suggests potential need for taxonomic revision of North American representatives.
Species-Level Documentation
Most detailed ecological information available pertains to Rhabdopterus jansoni; other in the lack comparable study in accessible sources.